Low Fat Cinnamon Nut Granola

Let’s face it, granola is a great go-to snack if you’re looking for something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. This Low-Fat Cinnamon Nut Granola may become one of your favorites. Unlike many store-bought versions loaded with fat and sugar, this recipe focuses on whole, minimally processed ingredients without added fats. The only fats in the recipe come naturally from optional add-ins like nuts and shredded coconut, which you can adjust based on your preference.

Granola isn’t just for snacking—it’s also a fantastic breakfast option. Try it with plant-based milk, topped with fresh berries, or even sprinkled over oatmeal. For dessert, it adds the perfect crunch to vegan ice cream or chia pudding. The possibilities are endless!

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch from scratch in no time, giving you control over the quality of ingredients. Most commercial granolas come with a hefty price tag and include unhealthy ingredients. When you make your own, you can keep it low in sugar and high in flavor.

You might want to try making your soy yogurt as well!

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Nutritional Benefits

This low-fat, low-sugar granola is packed with soluble fiber from oats. Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, which can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The oats provide long-lasting energy, and the nuts (if you choose to include them) offer a nutrient-dense source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and minerals.

The Power of Nuts
If you’re adding nuts to your granola, you’re getting more than just crunch and flavor—you’re adding a significant nutritional boost:

• Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation. They are also high in antioxidants and provide heart-healthy fats that help improve cholesterol levels.

• Almonds: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin and supports immune function. They’re also packed with magnesium, which is essential for muscle function and energy production.

• Pistachios: Known for their vibrant green color, pistachios are a good source of protein and fiber. They are one of the lower-calorie nuts and also provide potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels.

Adding any combination of these nuts to your granola will enhance its nutritional profile, making it even more nourishing.

Puffed Cereals—Optional, But Fun!

While this recipe includes some puffed cereals, like puffed kamut or corn, they are becoming harder to find in stores. Brands like Arrowhead Mills still offer a few varieties, and Sprouts Market is an excellent place to check. You could also order puffed cereals like quinoa, millet, or amaranth online if you prefer more variety.

I recommend avoiding puffed rice due to potential arsenic contamination (see my article, The Lowdown on Arsenic in Rice for more details).

If you can’t find puffed cereals, stick with oats as the base. They work beautifully and shrink slightly during baking, making for a denser, crunchier granola!

The Arrowhead Mills brand is pictured below, but you can stick with just oats if you like. They shrink slightly, so don’t be afraid of the quantity. It is perfect for a puffed kamut granola.

Choose High-Quality Ingredients

The key to making the best low-fat granola is starting with high-quality, fresh ingredients. This is especially important for raw or lightly baked snacks like granola. Using premium oats, nuts, and dried fruits will take your homemade granola to the next level. Fresh ingredients ensure every bite is packed with nutrients, flavor, and crunch.

Don’t skimp on the nuts, seeds, and dried fruit—these elements are optional but provide texture, flavor, and an extra nutritional boost. Consider adding roasted nuts or seeds (see my article “Roasting Nuts and Seeds at Home”) to elevate the flavor even more.

Some raisins are made with oil, so check the label for ingredients that are just raisins and nothing else.

If you’re craving breakfast, be sure to check out these recipes:

• Easy Breakfast Chia Pudding
• Mint Chocolate Smoothie
• Green Berry Smoothie
• Cornmeal Waffles
• Chai Spice Apple Muffins

Perfect for On-the-Go

This granola is a great snack at home and ideal for travel, hiking, or family outings. It packs easily and provides a nutritious energy boost. The whole family will love this naturally sweetened, clump-free, low-sugar alternative to the overly processed versions in stores.

Read about Eating Packaged Foods on a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet.

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Dried apricots or cherries work really well, too, if you’re worried about the sugar from raisins. Unsweetened cranberries would also work well.

I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Low-Fat Cinnamon Nut Granola! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!

Originally Posted November 23, 2011.

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3.50 from 12 votes

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Low Fat Cinnamon Nut Granola

You will find yourself making this low-fat cinnamon granola not only for yourself but for the entire family too. It is delicious, healthy and easy to munch on, on the go.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

1/21x2x3x

Equipment

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
• 2 Baking Sheet
• Spatula Set

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
• 2 cups puffed corn
• 2 cups puffed millet
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or date syrup
• 2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon*
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• dash salt
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds walnuts or pistachios
• 3/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Measure oats, puffed corn and millet into a large bowl and add nuts.
• In a separate small bowl, add applesauce, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt and mix well.
• Add liquid ingredients to the cereals and stir to combine.
• Spread on two baking sheets covered with parchment paper.
• Bake for 30-45 minutes turning every 15 minutes until lightly browned.
• Add dried fruit (and shredded coconut if using) and stir.

Notes

*I recommend using Ceylon cinnamon because the other common cinnamon, cassia, contains coumarin, a compound that may be toxic to the liver at doses of 1 teaspoon per day for adults and 1/4 teaspoon for children a few times a week. See reference from nutritionfacts.org.

Optional ingredients are not included in the nutritional label.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Low Fat Cinnamon Nut Granola

Amount per Serving

Calories

273

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

6

g

9

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.7

g

4

%

Cholesterol

 

0

mg

0

%

Sodium

 

27

mg

1

%

Carbohydrates

 

48

g

16

%

Fiber

 

7.2

g

30

%

Sugar

 

9.6

g

11

%

Protein

 

9

g

18

%

Vitamin A

 

50

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

 

0.8

mg

1

%

Calcium

 

50

mg

5

%

Iron

 

2.3

mg

13

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The nutrition information is a rough estimate. Values will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it’s recommended that you calculate your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.

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